Hi guys,
here my review for the Rebel 18.
I had the Rebel out for two sessions so far.
Winds between 15-23 knots.
Important to know is that the Rebel 18 does not have the low end like the Dyno 2011.
With the Rebel 18 North wanted to continue the character of the Rebels, easy handling, performance and good high end.
The Rebel 18 has a good feel on the bar, not as heavy as the Dyno 2011, but you can feel the kite with no problem.
When jumping the Rebel 18 stays above you, but if you want it to turn, you pull on the bar and the kite moves forward.
Also for kiteloops needed for the surface tricks like Jesus Walks and Darkslides, it loops smoothly and does the job perfectly.
Once the kite has power, it has a very good lift and hangtime. By removing the center strut it adds more hangtime.
I still need to test the upper end, which I think is around 30 knots (warm air). Then I expect to go huge and fly.
I had different protos during the past months. With the ones similar to the Dyno I was at my limit with 25 knots in warm air, while with the proto like the Rebel 18 I was easily riding and going huge.
So, for whom is the kite good for you will ask yourself?
For me it replaces my Rebel 16 from 2010. The 16 turned faster which made me crash with rotating tricks when going big because it steered faster. Now I have the same wind range, 2 sqm more for more hangtime and slower steering.
I expect to fly huge with stronger winds. I will be in Tarifa for the Big Air during PKRA end of August and I hope to fly this kite to show that big kites can go big too! Plus I can do all my tricks with it.
If I take smaller, the risk of an injury is much higher to land the crazy tricks.
A heavy rider can use this kite for stronger winds, if they still want the feel of an 18 to land their tricks.
I think for lighter riders this is their answer to be able to fly an 18 sqm kite to improve their Airstyle tricks, since it handles easier than other 18s and you won't feel overpowered with few knots more.
Since I am a heavy rider, you should try this kite and see what it does for you in your weight.
I am happy to have this kite, since it opens the stronger winds for me and my tricks.
I will persuade North now to do an Airstyle Kite for 2016 with more low end like the 2011 Dyno.
Then they will have a good choice for lighter and heavier riders.
Forgot to mention that I love the OnePump ! 90 pump strokes with the big inflation valve and it is pumped up completely!
I tested the kite on my 2012 bar with 25m line lengths (inner bar connections) and the more powerful setting with slower steering.
I will also try to fly it with 32m lines, maybe that will make a bigger difference for the low end.
Let me know if you have any further questions!